Alabama-Texas A&M Rematch Slated For CBS
By Andrew Gribble, al.com:
This year’s version of “The Rematch” on Alabama’s schedule will be played in the mid-afternoon at Texas A&M’s Kyle Field. CBS announced Wednesday that it will air Alabama’s high-profile matchup with the Aggies on Sept. 14 and slot it for a 2:30 p.m. CST kickoff.
Which Coach Was The Toughest For Shaun McGee To Turn Down?
By Michael Carvell, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
Which non-Georgia coach was the toughest to turn down? “Nick Saban, definitely. They had always been a team of mine throughout the recruiting process. I had been raised a Miami guy, but Alabama grew on me when I was little. Seeing (Saban) on TV all the time, and when I finally met him, I didn’t know really know what to say. Anything he says to you, you’re kind of in awe because you’re like ‘Man, this is a really powerful guy.’ He was really hard to say ‘no’ to.
The Best Offensive Lineman Of The Saban Era
From Roll Bama Roll:
This week, as we continue our unit-specific breakdowns, we’ll be focusing on the big uglies that make the Tide offense hum. We’ve already crowned the best running back and best linebacker in the Saban era, and now it is time to debate who is the best offensive lineman of the last six years. For all of the accolades heaped on the Crimson Tide defense, the offensive line has arguably been the most prolific unit on the team, both in terms of on-field results and in terms of NFL draft pick production (four first rounders in the past six drafts). For the purposes of the evaluation below, the following players were selected: James Carpenter, Barrett Jones, Andre Smith, and Chance Warmack.
Greatest Plays In Alabama’s History
By Chris Walsh, BamaOnline.com:
1. The goal-line stand (1978): At the end of the 1978 season, No. 2 Alabama was facing No. 1 Penn State in the Sugar Bowl, when during the final minutes the Nittany Lions recovered a misdirected pitchout at the Crimson Tide 19 and soon found themselves with third down at the 1-yard line. “It was gut-check time,” linebacker Barry Krauss said. Defensive back Don McNeal made the first stop roughly a foot away from the end zone and when Nittany Lions quarterback Chuck Fusina walked to the line of scrimmage to see how far the ball was from the goal line, defensive tackle Marty Lyons supposedly warned him: “You’d better pass.”
Ryan Kelly Named to 2013 Rimington Watch List
From RollTide.com:
University of Alabama sophomore Ryan Kelly was one of 44 players selected to the 2013 Rimington Trophy Spring Watch List the Rimington Committee announced on Tuesday. The Rimington Trophy annually goes to the nation’s top center. Kelly backed up 2012 Rimington Trophy winner Barrett Jones a season ago, playing in 10 games, and earning SEC All-Freshman recognition.
Finebaum Leaving Birmingham For Charlotte To Join ESPN
By Bob Carlton, al,com:
Paul Finebaum will leave Birmingham to begin hosting a radio show and a simulcast television show in Charlotte, the Wall Street Journal has reported. In Charlotte, Finebaum will be part of a package that includes a radio program on the ESPN networks, 100 televised appearances annually on ESPN, and a TV simulcast of his radio show on the ESPN-owned SEC Network when it launches in August 2014, the WSJ reported. His new, Charlotte-based radio show will begin airing Aug. 1, according to the WSJ.
The Top 5 Rivalries In The SEC
From Jay Dawg:
1. Alabama vs. Auburn: One of the most bitter rivalries in the country, the annual Iron Bowl, pits Alabama against Auburn in a battle that decides who has bragging rights in the state for the next offseason or even longer. Both teams have had great winning traditions over the years as the first meeting between these two squads took place in 1893 when Auburn beat Alabama, 32-22. Since then, Alabama has lead the series, 42-34-1, against Auburn.
Don’t Take Things Said To Boosters So Seriously
By Tony Barnhart, CBS Sports:
College football is enjoying an explosion of growth and popularity. It is easily the No. 2 sport in the United States behind the NFL. In 2014 it will launch a four-team playoff that is going to be huge. The SEC is launching its own network, following the lead of the Big Ten, because fans just can’t get enough information about college football. There can be no argument about what time best represents the golden age of college football. We are living smack dab in the middle of it. So inquiring minds want to know: With all of this neat stuff going on in a game we all love, why last week were we obsessed with what one coach said about another coach in a booster club meeting?
Imagining Five Super Conferences
By Javier Morales, Lindy’s Sports:
The Big Ten has agreed to a league-wide halt of scheduling Football Championship Subdivision (formerly Division I-AA) opponents to make a nine- or 10-game conference schedule feasible. Alabama coach Nick Saban responded to that move by saying the Football Bowl Subdivision should have only five super conferences, with the members playing against each other. “That’s what I’m for, so it might be 70 teams, and everybody’s got to play ’em,” Saban told the Birmingham News. When Saban talks, people listen, including the NCAA. The ball is already in motion for reformation after the Big Ten’s bold move. The creation of super conferences makes sense financially and to maintain a competitive balance. Those affected adversely are FCS programs and those at the FBS level who are not part of a super conference.
